Terry Goddard Warns of Threatening Email Scam

(Phoenix, Ariz. – July 11, 2007) Attorney General Terry Goddard is joining the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office in warning Arizona residents of an email scam circulating in the state that involves a threat to kill.

The sender of the email, with the subject line “get back to me immediately,” claims to have been contracted to kill the recipient of the email. The email indicates the sender has a recorded conversation with the person who ordered the killing. The email also claims possession of photographs allegedly showing some sort of inappropriate behavior by the recipient.

The sender demands a payment of thousands of dollars immediately to retrieve the tape recording and photos and cancel the “hit.” The recipient is warned to not contact law enforcement or leave their house after 7:30 p.m.

This is a scam! It is being done to steal money from innocent people. If you receive an email like this, please notify local law enforcement or contact the Attorney General’s Office.

“The threat of violence is a new tactic,” Goddard said. “We have not seen one before that threatens physical harm, but the goal of the scammer to get money is familiar. It is important that Arizona residents understand this is fraudulent and not fall victim to it.”

If you believe you have been a victim of fraud, please contact the Attorney General’s Office in Phoenix at 602.542.5763; in Tucson at 520.628.6504; or outside the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas at 1.800.352.8431. To file a complaint in person, the Attorney General’s Office has 35 satellite offices throughout Arizona with volunteers available to help. Locations and hours are posted on the Attorney General’s Web site at www.azag.gov.